Talk me out of a SB T9

[Rich M]

Looking at SB t96 Polar 2.5-10x50

Want low light performance - and not what most folks are used to. Want 45 minutes + after sundown on a clear day. Full 30 minutes + on a cloudy day.

Would consider Swaro but they failed drop test x2. Swaro does this. Leica does this (but changed lines from ER to Amplus 6) and lost low light but satisfied the high zoom dialers.

Options are get a really good scope, high power green light, clip on thermals.

What makes sense?

 

[Pronghunter]

Against popular opinions, don’t get too wrapped up in the drop test. I had a long discussion with 2 Nightforce guys at a SHOW last year. There is a reason Nightforce does their version of drop test WITHOUT a stock, rings, bases etc. They said even with a properly torqued stock, it alone is enough to change point of impact with a drop…. Enough so that someone would “blame the optic.” Same goes for rings and bases.
I’ve had a few NF that have had to go back. One ATACR and one NXS. So anything can fail.

Anyhow, I’m definitely not a fan of S&B anything. Polar, Ultra Bright, PM2 etc. they have the worst issue with flare or glare. Sunrise and sunset.
I also feel the Swaro Z5/6 and 8 are better in low light and it’s noticeable. I was finally able to really try them out this year. Curiosity got the best of me.
I’d go Swaro’s new Z5i plus, Swaro Z8i, Kahles 318i, Leica Magnus, Zeiss V6/V8, there are some Hensoldts for sale on Snipershide, Zeiss Victory’s etc.
The S&B just wasn’t it for me. At all.